WINSTON AND RINGO (Montana Series 3 | BXB)

39: Narcissus

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We made it back to Montana early in the morning. When we reached home, I told Dad and Mom about what I learned about Ringo. Maging sila ay hindi makapaniwala sa karumal-dumal na ginawa ng kanyang sariling kapatid.

"We need to call the police about this, William," said Mom in frustration.

"You're right," Dad agreed. "But we need to be careful. Ringo's image is at stake here. Any wrong move will lead to more burden on his part."

"Kaya ba nating gumalaw ng hindi nalalaman ng ibang tao, lalo na ang mga tao sa Northside High?" tanong ko.

"Lalo na kay Lolo at sa iba pa nating pamilya," dagdag pa ni Austin.

"It won't be easy, but I'll talk to my friend from the Local Police Office," said Dad. "I'll do my best to move discreetly to protect Ringo's image."

"Thank you, Dad," I expressed.

"But you have to talk to Ringo," Mom advised. "He need to cooperate since he's the victim here."

"Okay, Mom," I responded.

In the evening, I called Ringo to have a walk at the Triangle Park. It's weekdays, kaya walang masyadong tao sa park. Nasa ospital pa rin ang Mama niya kaya doon ko na siya sinundo. I also got the chance to visit Andres, and thankfully, he was already awake. But just like what Nickey said, he lost the capacity to move and talk.

I had been dealing with so many issues, but I had to handle it one at a time. My priority was to protect and save Ringo from his abusive brother.

"How are you?" I asked, walking around the clock tower.

"Good," replied Ringo while holding his milkshake.

"Kamusta na ang Mama mo?"

He flattend his lips and said, "Doing good, I guess? Nakakakain na siya ulit, ngunit hindi siya pwedeng maiwan ng walang bantay."

"Gano'n ba," sambit ko. "If you want, we can hire a private nurse so you don't need to worry about her."

He snapped me a look. "No, Winston. Pwede mo akong tulungan sa ibang paraan, ngunit hindi ako papayag na tulungan mo ako gamit ang pera niyo."

I stunned for what he said, and then I racalled what Franco told me. Marahil ay ayaw niyang maging bahagi ng relasyon namin ang pera. He probably didn't want to feel that I pity him, just like what Franco did.

"Ringo," I called in a soft voice. "I wanted to help you because I care for you, not because I pity you."

His eyebrows crossed. "That's not what I mean, Winston."

I didn't really prepare what I had to say, but in order to help him, I had to force him to be honest with me. Kung hahayaan kong umaligid si Maynard sa kanya ay hindi ko na kaya pang lumipas ang isang araw at gabi.

"Ringo," I began. "I know the truth."

He stopped from walking, and he gradually turned his head to me. "Truth? What are you talking about."

I braced myself before revealing what I had in mind. "Everything, Ringo," I started. "I know what Maynard did to you and to your Ate Melissa. Sinabi sa'kin ni Franco ang lahat."

His eyes widened in horror and he dropped the milkshake he was holding. He seemed to have turned into a statue from his position. I wanted to be more cautious with my tone and actions, but we needed to face the truth and the reality together.

"Alam mo?" sambit niya kasabay ng pagtulo ng kanyang luha.

As his tears cascaded down his cheeks, I grabbed his arm to pull him into a warm embrace. "Ringo, you don't need to feel ashame. Nalaman ko ang buong katotohanan, ngunit kahit katiting ay hindi nagbago ang nararamdaman ko sa'yo."